What should I do if I can't raise my arm above my shoulder?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Difficulty raising your arm above your shoulder can result from several conditions, including diabetes-related frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), nerve damage following surgery, or complications after radiotherapy. Other common causes include rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, or impingement syndrome. Because limited shoulder mobility can signal anything from a minor strain to a more serious nerve or joint issue, an accurate diagnosis is essential to guide treatment and prevent long-term stiffness or weakness.

Not sure what's causing your shoulder trouble? Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights based on your specific symptoms. In just a few minutes, you'll receive possible causes and clear guidance on next steps—empowering you to have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider and get the right care faster.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover why you can't raise your arm Learn if shoulder pain needs care today See what may be causing limited arm motion Find OTC relief for shoulder pain Find a doctor for shoulder problems Discover home remedies for shoulder pain Understand if arm movement issues need evaluation

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Explanation

Having trouble lifting your arm away from your body can be caused by different health issues.

Diabetes: People with diabetes can develop shoulder problems, like a frozen shoulder. This might make it hard to move the shoulder and cause pain.
Nerve Injuries: After certain surgeries, like those on the neck, nerves can be affected. This might lead to weakness or trouble moving the arm.
Radiotherapy: Sometimes, radiotherapy to treat diseases like cancer, performed in close proximity to the shoulder, can cause arm weakness or pain.

Each of these issues require a healthcare provider for proper evaluation. To better understand what might be causing your symptoms, try our free AI symptom checker for personalized insights. They can help figure out what's wrong and suggest ways to help, like exercises or other treatments.

(References)

Garcilazo C, Cavallasca JA, & Musuruana JL. (2010). Shoulder manifestations of diabetes mellitus. Current diabetes reviews, 20701586.
Joaquim AF, Makhni MC, & Riew KD. (2019). Post-operative nerve injuries after cervical spine surgery. International orthopaedics, 30498911.
Deutsch M, & Flickinger JC. (2001). Shoulder and arm problems after radiotherapy for primary .... American journal of clinical oncology, 11319294.

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